The British Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, Sir Kim Darroch, led a senior delegation to Algiers on Monday 25 November for the second UK-Algeria Strategic Security Partnership meeting.

Sir Kim Darroch met with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and a delegation led by Minister Delegate for Maghreb and African Affairs, His Excellency Madjid Bouguerra as well as having other high level meetings.

The UK is committed to working in partnership with Algeria to counter security threats in the region. The Strategic Security Partnership allows both countries to share assessments on a range of security-related topics and discuss areas for cooperation, such as shared opposition to ransom payments to terrorist groups. These discussions build on the broadening bilateral relationship between the UK and Algeria.

Speaking ahead of the visit, His Excellency British Ambassador to Algeria Mr Martyn Roper said:

“Britain and Algeria both have a long and difficult experience in tackling terrorism and we can learn much from each other in tackling the threat. As David Cameron said on his visit to Algeria earlier this year, the UK stands side by side with Algeria, a crucial regional partner in dealing with terrorism. Through the Strategic Security Partnership we are developing our wider bilateral relationship, which also includes economic cooperation, improving trade links, promoting the English language and boosting university and cultural ties”.

The Strategic Security Partnership was agreed by President Bouteflika and Prime Minister Cameron during Mr Cameron’s visit to Algiers. Sir Kim Darroch hosted the first round of talks in London on 17 April 2013.